Harden’s sore foot improved, but he’s still a game-time decision

Rockets guard James Harden was still considered “a game-time decision” for Wednesday night’s game against Atlanta. The last two games when he was the same status, it has translated to “out.”

If nothing else, this time he said his sore right foot has felt greatly improved, enough for him to show obvious relief that he won’t be stuck with an injury he cannot shake long term.

“It feels real good,” Harden said. “Obviously, I had some time to rest it and get a lot of treatment. It’s feeling a lot better. The swelling has gone down a lot.”

Asked if he thought he could play, Harden was unsure. Harden leads the Rockets with averages of 24.2 points and 5.4 assists.

“We’ll see,” he said. “I put some shots up. We’ll reevaluate tonight, if it’s able to hold up and go full speed.

“The swelling went down a lot. The rehab and treatment is going very well. I’m excited to hopefully be on the court as soon as possible.”

He played with the soreness and swelling in the foot for almost three weeks, but was unable to make occasional progress last.

“That was part of the reason for me sitting these past couple days to rest it, so it won’t be lingering on or hanging with me the rest of the season,” Harden said.

“It’s change of direction. Every time I push off or change direction, that’s what irritates it. These last couple days have been helpful a lot. The way I play, I play really fast and change direction. I need that the most when I’m playing.”

Rockets forward Ronnie Brewer, who has missed four games with a strained calf muscle, is also a game-time decision. Guard Francisco Garcia, who has been playing with a sprained toe on his right foot, said he will play.

“It’s just something I have to deal with,” Garcia said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. Over time, it’s going to get better. It’s a lot of pain, but I have to be there for my teammates. I’m fighting through it. It’s getting a little better. I’ve had it about six days, but it’s still there, still bothering me.”

Garcia’s playing time has become especially important with Harden out. If Harden misses a third-consecutive game against the Hawks tonight, it will be the longest stretch he has sat out since missing six-consecutive games in 2009-10, his rookie season with the Thunder, with a hamstring injury.

“I hate missing games,” Harden said. “I want to be there for my teammates on the court as well, but I don’t want to do anything to mess up any rhythm. The past two games, we’ve been playing pretty well. We’ll reevaluate it and see how it is tonight.”